Bear Grease

MeatEater

The Bear Grease Podcast with host Clay Newcomb delivers compelling storytelling through documentary-style episodes exploring the culture, traditions, and history of rural America. He’ll dive in deep with hunters, biologists, anthropologists, and hillbillies to learn about human nature and our ancient connection to the land. Bear Grease explores unique people, topics, and stories that reveal the incredible value of life lived close to the land. Part of the MeatEater Podcast Network.

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491 episodes
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Episodes491

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Sep 7, 2022 · 56 min
Ep. 70: Holt Collier - Texas Cowboy, Gunfights & Market Bear Hunting, Part 2
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’re on part two in our Holt Collier series and looking into the second section of his life, from the age of 20 to his mid-60s, which were defined by gunfights, cowboying and bear hunting. Holt was a former slave turned confederate soldier, he was acquitted of the murder of a white man after the civil war, and he made a lot of money as a market bear hunter in the primeval swamps of Mississippi. Holt was buddies with presidents, governors and outlaws – he became an accomplished cowboy in Texas while running from the vigilante justice of those that wanted him hung. Holt was married three times, was a deputy sheriff, his best bear dog was named Mandy, and he had a baseball team named after him. And, he guided President Teddy Roosevelt on the hunt that created the global icon of the “Teddy Bear” (we’ll talk about that on episode three). We’ve interviewed author, Minor Ferris Buchannan who’s written the only book about Holt Collier, Hank Burdine who acts as a guardian of Holt’s legacy, and Jonathan Wilkins – an African American outfitter in the Delta. You wouldn’t believe Holt’s story if it wasn’t the truth, he’s surrounded by controversy and irony, but one thing is for certain – he was an extraordinary and brilliant man and his legacy deserves to sit with the kings of American culture. We’re in search of learning who this man Holt Collier was and I really doubt you’re going to want to miss this. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 31, 2022 · 1 hr 20 min
Ep. 69: Bear Grease [Render] - Possum Tattoos, The Bargain Barn, and Holt Collier
On this week's episode of the Bear Grease [Render], Clay and the gang circle up to talk about the slave, soldier, and bearhunter, Holt Collier. But first: Brent gets sentimental with a good-luck charm that he carries with him everywhere. Misty clarifies her stance on tattoos. Isaac shows off his new boots. Gary extols the virtues of love above all else. Clay tells us about getting stuck in an apple tree wearing nothing but his Coon Light and a pair of drawers. And you're not going to want to miss special guest Jonathan Wilkins of Black Duck Revival, give us his perspective on the enigmatic Holt Collier. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 24, 2022 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 68: Holt Collier - Slave, Confederate Soldier, and Bear Hunter, Part 1
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we'll be introduced to the man that president Theodore Roosevelt said was “the greatest hunter and guide I have ever known.” Many believe his legacy deserves to be on the American pedestal with the likes of Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. And some might even suggest he stand with the great African American civil rights pioneers early 20th century, based upon the standing he had in society and the life he lived. However, his life is riddled with mystery and controversy, but if you’re like me, after you’ve been exposed to the energy, audacity and bravery of this life, you’ll never – ever – forget the name Holt Collier. Holt Collier was born a slave and at age fourteen after he joined the Confederate Army and fought with distinction the entirety of the war. Afterwards he became a market hunter black bear. After the civil war he killed a white man in Mississippi, but no charges were pressed and was later accused of killing another one and was acquitted for the murder. He hob-knobbed with some of the most powerful men in the Delta gaining their loyalty and trust. But what he’s most known for is guiding the then sitting president, Theodore Roosevelt on two bear hunts in the Mississippi Delta and gaining his friendship and respect. Holt Collier lassoed a bear and tied it to a tree for the president, who refused to shoot it, and from this the press coined the term “Teddy Bear” which has become a global term, and it would have never happened if it wasn’t for the creative grit of a black man named, Holt Collier. Undoubtedly, Holt’s life doesn’t fit into anybody’s mold and I think that’s what qualifies him as a great American. He lived an almost unbelievable life. On this episode we'll interview Minor Ferris Buchannon, Hank Burdine and Jonathan Wilkins to try to understand who Holt was. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 17, 2022 · 1 hr 28 min
Ep. 67: Bear Grease [Render] - Tavin, Tik Tok, and Turkey Salmon
On this episode of the Bear Grease [Render], Clay and the gang talk about their most recent podcast. They get to know a special guest -- Tavin Dillard -- who shows Clay how to call in a turkey salmon. Later, they meet another special guest, Joel Barry. Finally, they discuss Clay watching Instagram Reels like a dad, why Gary Newcomb had to aggressively fine-tune his Tik Tok preferences, and what that means for the future of society. I really, really doubt you're gonna want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 10, 2022 · 59 min
Ep. 66: Basketball and Coonhunting - The "Hicks From the Sticks” Story
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, we’ll be crossing the streams of sports, rural life, and hunting as we learn about the 1960’s championship Bradleyville Eagles basketball dynasty in Missouri. We’ll talk with author, Leon Combs who wrote the book on them and we’ll meet one of the players – Leon Boyd – the teams ball handling point guard and coonhunter extraordinaire who still hunts and loves basketball to this day. In a world of increasing specialization, we’ll explore if the idea of having diversity can make us better at everything we do – like being a coonhunting basketball player… but it’s a toss up. The drama of this sports story will have you on the edge of the bleacher as you hear the actual broadcast of their 1968 state championship game and we’ll go on a hunt with Leon Boyd. I doubt you’re going to want to miss this one… Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 3, 2022 · 1 hr 12 min
Ep 65: Bear Grease [Render] - Whitetail Antlers, Underground dogs, and Bucking Mules
On this week’s episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay is joined by the familiar crew to discuss the public display of taxidermy in gas stations. Brent Reaves tells us about Waylon’s new found ability to tree a raccoon underground. Isaac Neale shares the perils of cowboy boots. Josh Spielmaker embraces his roll as the Bear Grease Bad Boy. Misty Newcomb raises the collective IQ of the room when she elaborates on doctoral research. Clay fills us in on the roller coaster of training a bucking mule. While Gary laments the lack of chairs in modern Gas Stations. And you’re definitely not going to want to miss the question one shop owner asked Clay and Brent that inspired a minor existential crisis. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 27, 2022 · 56 min
Ep. 64: Gas Station Taxidermy Roadshow
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, Brent Reaves and Clay Newcomb hit the two-lane highways and byways of America in search of taxidermy in gas stations. This type of public display of bucks, bears and ducks is becoming rarer - and we’re in search of why. The public display of taxidermy is something deep in the root system of American identity and symbolic of a way of life. The American gas station at one time acted as the “town square” and relational hub of small communities, but things are changing. We’ll talk with podcaster, JB Shreve about how the oil and gas industry has impacted America since World War 1, and we’ll also talk with an expert on the tangible effects of social capital on communities, but not before the crew makes finds incredible gas-station bucks and people. Get a cold fountain drink and buckle up because we’re about roll down the road – we doubt you’re going to want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 20, 2022 · 1 hr 18 min
Ep. 63: Bear Grease [Render] - The Bear Grease Hall of Fame and Streaks of Luck
On this episode of the Bear Grease Render, Clay opens the floor up so that Josh can finally spread the good news about Fly Fishing. Misty reminisces about the time Josh's mom saved Clay's life. Isaac tries out cowboy boots. Gary, dressed for golf, pontificates on his friend's streak of hole in ones. And you're not going to want to miss Clay's brand new song featuring Brent on the bear's femur & dutch oven. By the end, you might not know if you're lucky or deserving, but you sure will enjoy the show. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 13, 2022 · 58 min
Ep. 62: The Unusual Whitetail Streak of Ora Lee Provence
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’re talking about two giant, public-land whitetails killed by the same man on the same year, all the while exploring a universal and ancient idea. It’s one that has not escaped any culture - it’s homogenous across time, oceans, and peoples. It’s the idea of a “streak of luck”. All can agree that beneficial things do happen that are far beyond human control, but the catalyst or origin of this favor are where the ideologies diverge. I want to introduce you, posthumously, to an incredible man by the name of Ora Lee Provence, who Clay Newcomb interviewed in 2019, just one month prior to his passing at the age of 91 – Mr. Oree, as he was called, killed two non-typical deer in the fall of 1965 on public land in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. This was as unlikely as being struck by lightning - twice. We’ll hear from Mr. Oree himself and meet his son, we’ll also hear from Whitetail wackos Mark Kenyon and Tony Peterson from MeatEater’s Wired To Hunt Podcast, and we’ll talk with one of the best Ozark Mountain deer hunters I know, Moe Shepherd, about streaks of luck. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 6, 2022 · 1 hr 13 min
Ep. 61: Bear Grease [Render] - Near Death on a Tractor, Black Panthers, and the Brutality of the Middle Ground
Clay and the crew are joined by Zach Newcomb, mental health professional and real life brother to Clay. After a rousing version of “I Saw the Light” the gang discusses the finer points of seasoning gravy, larger than life black panther busts and near misses with heavy machinery before jumping into the most recent episode of Bear Grease about Lewis Wetzel. You’ll want to stay tuned til the end to hear Brent Reaves recite a rhymed verse recounting the life and times of one of American History’s most brutal and bloody characters. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 29, 2022 · 1 hr 5 min
Ep. 60: The Deathwind - Lewis Wetzel
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’ll be looking into the life a man whose legacy is wrought with conflict. To Americans who lived in the Ohio River Valley he was a folk hero, but to the Native Americans he hated and murdered in cold-blood, he was known as the Deathwind. Clay Newcomb went to the Ohio Valley to interview outdoor writer and author, Chip Gross, to learn about the life of Lewis Wetzel. This dark-deep-dive comes at the request one of Steve Rinella of MeatEater, who is also a guest on this episode. We’ll talk about Wetzel’s life and the brutality of the American frontier. Lastly, in an effort to understand the mind frame of Wetzel, Clay will interview mental health professional, Zach Newcomb, to learn if our boy Wetzel was truly a sociopath, a serial killer, or if his actions simply the result of life lived in a war zone. We doubt you’re going to want to miss this one. We know folks let their young kids listen to Bear Grease (which we love), but we’ll warn you -- in this episode there is lots of talk of graphic violence. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 22, 2022 · 1 hr 20 min
Ep. 59: Bear Grease [Render] - The Game Warden’s Here
On this episode of the Bear Grease [Render], Clay Newcomb and the crew are joined by Lt. Ep Fletcher of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. They discuss wildlife regulations and some of the most memorable moments in his career. Fletcher describes how he evaluates each violation with three specific questions: what was the intent, how does it effect the resource, and how does it impact public safety. Ep ends the podcast with a moving story about a game warden who lost his life in a water evacuation. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 15, 2022 · 49 min
Ep. 58: Poaching - Our Relationship with the Law
This episode of the Bear Grease Podcast will be an exposé on two men in the outdoor industry that you may have heard of. We typically don’t like to air people’s dirty laundry, but we gained access to these hunters and you may know them, maybe even respect them, and their stories might shock you. The hunters we’re talking about are Clay Newcomb and Steven Rinella! They had a candid conversation about the way they were raised, their history with game laws, and a few of their regrets. The intent is to have some honest dialogue giving a data point to understand our cultural history as modern hunters that will allow us to dictate where we’re going. We’ll also talk Austin Booth, he’s a lawyer, a former marine, and now the director of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. We want to understand the philosophy of wildlife law enforcement in 2022 and the status of poaching. We’ll also pick up two foundational components of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation that we all should know. If you want the dirt on Clay and Rinella, you’re for sure not going to want to miss this one. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 8, 2022 · 1 hr 33 min
Ep. 57: Bear Grease [Render] - Outlaws and Undercover Stings
Clay, Misty, Josh, Brent, Isaac, and Gary talk about Clay's pawn shop of an office and his stack of most influential books before diving into Charlie, Louie Dale and Russ Arthur, the agent who went undercover with Louie Dale. They spend more time with the tension of liking someone (except Brent) while rejecting some of their actions as well as parsing out the nuanced differences between Poachers and Outlaws. Be sure to stay tuned until the end for a Black Panther update from Gary "Believer" Newcomb. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 1, 2022 · 1 hr 1 min
Ep. 56: Genuine Outlaws - Covert Operations, Part 3
On this episode we’re going to the world of the covert operations of the government. Clay was able to get an interview with the undercover National Forest Service law enforcement agent that worked a sting operation on Louie Dale Edwards in Arkansas in the 1990s. We go into the details of the operation, how it went down and what caused it to fail. Secondly, Clay talks with Dr. Daniel Rupp about the anthropological reasons why western culture loves outlaws. It all stems back a general mistrust of power and a desire for the common man to stick it to the system. Clay finally gets his questions answered in his personal exploration of why we’re endeared to outlaws. This may be the coolest Bear Grease Podcast yet. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 25, 2022 · 59 min
Ep. 55: Bear Grease [Render] - Predator Calling Grizzlies and Crackling Fat
This is an in-the-field recording of the Bear Grease [Render]! Clay hosts his son, Bear John, and MeatEater's Cory Calkins, as they discuss a harrowing encounter they had calling in a black bear and grizzly at the same time. They recount the story Bear Newcomb's first-ever spring boar -- a blonde bear Clay calls "the most beautiful bear I've ever seen." Later in the episode, they touch on the second Genuine Outlaw podcast. This all comes to you straight from the back country as the boys sit around the fire and render down the fat of Bear Newcomb's bear. This episode is full of great stories and close calls. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 18, 2022 · 1 hr 8 min
Ep. 54: Genuine Outlaws - Rough Men, Part 2
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast, we’re going to continue building a biographical sketch of Louie Dale and Charley Edwards, two Southern characters known for being turkey hunting outlaws, but also beloved men in their community – by most. We’ll be diving into the moonshine incident and give some backing for why people said they were “rough men” – you’re going to hear about some fighting and gun play, so if you’re sensitive to such talk – be advised - but if you want a small picture into the American south, these guys deliver. These men were connected to the land and it shaped their identity. Host Clay Newcomb, having known them his whole life, Is unashamed by how much he liked these guys, but conflicted because he disagreed with some stuff they did. Life is a paradox and linear equations built for judgement don’t always add up. This episode is a sketch of two modern colorful characters. Their lives were just straight up entertaining and intriguing, we doubt you’re gunna want to miss it….Hey, and if you’ll stick around the very end…You’ll hear Clay and game warden Jimmy Martin relive a run in they had when Clay was 16 years old. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 11, 2022 · 1 hr 17 min
Ep. 53: Bear Grease [Render] - Waylon Wins, Flipping Four-wheelers, and Outlaw Debrief
Clay, Misty, Josh Brent, and Gary talk about Waylon's second competition coonhunt win. Gary recounts some four-wheeler wrecks, and the crew gives their thoughts on the latest Bear Grease Podcast, Genuine Outlaws. The crew has mixed feelings about the Edwards brothers's story, and the conversation goes deep as they discuss breaking game laws. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 4, 2022 · 1 hr 2 min
Ep. 52: Genuine Outlaws - Louie Dale and Charley Edwards, Part 1
On this episode of the Bear Grease Podcast we’re telling a story that’s never been written in a book or seen on a film. You’ll be introduced to two brothers who were some of the most notorious turkey hunting outlaws to ever to trapse the hills of Arkansas – their names were Louie Dale and Charley Edwards. But in an ironic twist, they were deeply respected in their community for their forthrightness, genuine nature, and generosity. This story is about bar fights, evading game wardens, making whiskey - all interwoven into a story about character and identity…we weren’t wasn’t expecting it either. Clay is in search of learning something about human nature – something about myself. I’ve committed to resolving a life-long position of inner conflict of revering these men, but also disdaining wanton disregard of the law. On this first podcast we’re going to get to know the brothers through the voice of a son, men who hunted with them, and the game warden that chased them for thirty years…Though the brothers are both gone from this earth, in later episodes we’ll dissect their lives with the experts to learn why we loved them – and why we love outlaws. Well….you’ll get to decide if you do or if you don’t. I really doubt you’re going to want to miss this one…. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 27, 2022 · 1 hr 35 min
Ep. 51: Bear Grease [Render] - Mustaches, Bear Collars, and Wild Turkey Biologist, Jeremy Wood
On this episode Clay is joined by Misty, Josh, Kobly Morehead and Arkansas Game and Fish wild turkey biologist, Jeremy Wood. The crew notes that Misty is the only person without a mustache so Josh brought her a stick-on-stache. Kolby Morehead talks about the Bear Hunting Magazine team in the campaign to raise money for a bear collaring study in Arkansas. Clay jumps on his soap box of picking up stone points on his own land, they discuss some new art he got of Warner Glenn, and a gift from Kolby. They all tell their favorite turkey story from the last Bear Grease Podcast. Then they jump into the issues surrounding wild turkeys in Arkansas with Jeremy. It's an action and information packed episode. Connect with Clay and MeatEater Clay on Instagram MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube Shop Bear Grease Merch See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.